How to Get Full Funding Offer in Economics From US Universities?

4. Do I need to contact the professor prior to my application?

Answer: Economics admission is conducted centrally, so you are not bound to contact your professor prior to your application. But, for some PhD programs, it is better to contact the professors as your document will be evaluated by them and students will be selected based on their suggestions. But, again for most PhD programs, it is absolutely fine not to contact your professor before admission.